Packing List
Individual gear. Avoid bringing unnecessary gear. Keep it as small and light as possible. On a big hike, "Ounces make pounds and pounds make pain". For a 4-day hike, 30 or 35 pounds is a good target.
-
No phones or other electronics. The adults will have phones to take pictures.
-
Hiking boots/shoes (waterproof). These should be well-broken into your feet before the hike. New, stiff boots/shoes are more likely to cause blisters.
-
Large (internal or external frame) backpack
-
Sleeping bag (20 degree or better rated)
-
Sleeping pad. Must be insulated. Otherwise, the ground can quickly suck the heat from your body. Non-insulated air pads are especially bad this way. Insulated air pads are okay. Closed-cell foam pads are also good.
-
If bringing an air pad, it is good to also bring a patch kit. A punctured air pad isn't much good.
-
-
Clothing. Wool and synthetics are good. Avoid cotton--it loses most of its insulating ability when wet.
-
Wicking layer
-
2+ pair light socks (I like to wear two pairs of light socks when hiking. It helps prevent blisters)
-
1 change of underwear
-
-
Insulating layer. Even in the summer, nights can be cold.
-
2 pair heavy socks
-
Fleece/sweater/warm jacket
-
1 shirt long sleeved
-
Shorts and/or pants (avoid denim). Quick-drying shorts can double as a swimsuit.
-
-
Waterproof layer
-
Light rain jacket/poncho
-
Pack cover or large garbage bag
-
-
(optional)
-
Sandals/flip-flops
-
Small camp towel
-
Emergency blanket (i.e. the foil-like "space blankets" work well in a pinch)
-
-
-
Water bottle, camelback, or equivalent. Try to have about two liters capacity. We should be able to replenish each day, using water filters. A water bottle with a built-in water filter (like a LifeStraw) works best to replenish water while you hike.
-
Food
-
Meals will be provided. Reserve room in your pack to help carry them.
-
(optional) You may bring individual snacks, if desired. All food will be put in bags and hung at night, even the snacks you bring.
-
-
Flashlight/head lamp and extra batteries
-
Insect repellant
-
Toiletries
-
Hand Sanitizer or small bar of soap
-
Toothbrush
-
Toothpaste
-
Toilet paper
-
(optional) Comb
-
-
Personal mess kit
-
Cup (optional if drinking directly from your water bottle)
-
Utensils (a spork works well)
-
Something to clean them with
-
-
Fire (small lighter or waterproof matches, etc). Fires are not allowed to light campfires, but it is good to be prepared for emergencies.
-
Sun protection
-
Sunscreen.
-
(optional) Sunglasses, hat, lip balm, etc.
-
-
Small knife/multitool
-
Trash bags. One large bag to cover your backpack at night. And a large Ziplock bag to use for use for trash.
-
Small first aid kit.
-
Personal medications, as needed. Some ideas (optional):
-
Pain reliever (Ibuprofen is good for inflammation)
-
Allergy tablets (i.e. Benadryl or equivalent)
-
A couple of cough drops
-
Antacid/indigestion tablets (like Pepto Bismol)
-
etc
-
-
bandages
-
antiseptic
-
foot care (moleskin)
-
-
Mesh bug net for head / face cover (THIS IS A MUST)
-
Trowel. In some/most campsites we should have access to vault toilets, in which case a trowel will not be needed.
-
4-5 sheets of paper with double sided printed spiritual messages (scripture passages, General Conference talks, Patriarchal Blessing, etc.) Anything you choose. Put in a Ziplock bag to keep dry. Extra paper sheets to use as a journal.
-
Optional
-
Map and compass
-
Whistle
-
Duct tape. Useful for repairs, first aid (cushioning hot spots), etc. Wrapping some around a hiking pole or knife handle works well.
-
Needle and thread
-
Camera
-
Hiking poles
-
Shared gear with a buddy
-
Tent (light weight and small if possible)
-
Stove with pot and fuel. (Something like a Jetboil works best)
-
Paracord - 50 feet, 325 pound, or 3MM or 4MM.
-
Bag to hang food in. Each night all scented items that might attract wildlife (food, food waste, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) will be hung out of reach in bags. These do not need to be expensive bear bag. You can use your bag from your sleeping bag if it is durable enough. Should be able to hold about 20 pounds of food.
Additional group gear with adults
-
Bear spray / horn
-
Water purification (gravity-fed filters are convenient)
-
Walkie Talkies
-
Satellite Communication for emergency texts